Creative Commons Licenses, etc.

Dear Peter,

Welcome to IMSLP/Petrucci Music Library! As a composer or other copyright proprietor, please take time to carefully review the Creative Commons and Performance Restricted licenses including the full licenses in PDF format. Generally speaking, the best version to employ for new works is either the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 or the Performance Restricted Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0. These allow for free downloading of the items you post, yet prohibits anyone who downloads the files from IMSLP from selling the files (on Ebay, for example), or from giving public performances on an explicitly commercial basis, making recordings of the work without written permission in advance from you, the composer and copyright owner. However, if you are affiliated with a performing rights society such as SOCAN (Canada), ASCAP, BMI or SESAC (USA), SACD, SACEM or SEAM (France), SABAM (Belgium), GEMA (Germany), PRS (UK), SGAE (Spain), SIAE (Italy), Artisjus (Hungary), ZAIKS (Poland), IPRS (India), JASRAC (Japan), or any of the myriad of similar agencies present in this Wikipedia listing, please note that at least some of these agencies refuse to honor the Creative Commons licenses. You should therefore seriously consider using one of the several IMSLP Performance Restricted Licenses for any works posted here if you are affiliated with a performance rights society.

For those uploading the first time, please remember choose the menu option "Add Your Own Composition" when uploading your original works (even if they are scans of manuscripts or printouts), "Add Your Own Arrangement" or "(Re)Typeset" when uploading new arrangements, and "Add Your Own Edition" or "(Re)Typeset" when uploading new editions of public domain works. As it is normally assumed that composers and arrangers have edited their own work, please leave the "Editor" field empty unless another person has actually edited your work (in which case their name should be inserted). Note also that the English term "Editor" is not the equivalent of the French editeur or Italian editore. "Editor" refers to the person who reviewed and corrected the piece, while the French and Italian words are closer to the English word "publisher". In the "Publisher" field, please use your own full legal name, as making your scores and sound files available for free download on this site constitutes "publication" under the laws of most countries in the world. (Note that this is done automatically when using the new upload tools). Please do not list your works as "public domain" as it is not legally possible for your works to be fully public domain under the 'moral rights' provisions of many copyright statutes around the world. Composers and other copyright owners should be aware that Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 is very similar to public domain as it allows for the unrestricted copying, performance (live and broadcast) and recording of the work (including explicitly commercial use) at no charge, with no compensation or royalties payable to the composer or copyright owner for such commercial exploitation. Note also that the all of the above licenses are considered to be IRREVOCABLE once a file has been uploaded under the lawful copyright owner's authorization.

PS: As long as you have not actually inserted a particular Creative Commons license in the PDF file itself, you are free to change the license after upload to something more suitable. However, any restrictions under an updated license are only applicable to copies of the files downloaded after the date of amendment. Copies downloaded before amendment date are likely subject to the original license terms, so please choose carefully. Composers are also encouraged to make use of our new template {{NoPerf}}, which automatically places works into a new category - Unperformed Works. To add this template to your pages, simply copy and paste the little template above (curly brackets and all) into the "First Performance" field of the "General Information" section on all work pages.

Titles of Workpages

Dear Peter, It is complete unnecessary to include instrumentation as part of the title. We have a complete Category Walker to find works by instrumentation. Also, please follow the guidelines of the Manual of Style when creating pages for works. Additionally, the "Sanner/Typesetter" field should only include your name, not the name of the software used. We have a space limitation for the "Uploader" field, and using your full name creates an undesirable line-break, so using "composer" is better. I realize that this is probably a lot to absorb all at once, so the best procedure is to upload a few pieces, let the admins fix things up and visit your pages to see what has been done. Thanks, Carolus 02:04, 24 January 2012 (UTC) (IMSLP Copyright Admin)

I bet the instrumentation tag team will be having fun with "C-sound 'pluck'" later on this evening! At any rate, your first batch of uploads went very nicely. It's really pretty simple once you understand the routine. Everything is now tagged for copyright approval and is now available for download. Best Wishes, Carolus 02:31, 24 January 2012 (UTC)

Dear Carolus,

Thanks for the feedback! Several points: (1) You remind me that did eons ago sign up with BMI. I haven't registered scores with them for years, but will check TOMORROW whether I had registered and of these. I'd like simply to quit BMI. Do they allow this? (2) Otherwise, I think I've made the corrections you indicated. (3) Please leave "for Flute Solo" in the Partita title, as this is essential to a wordplay on JSB's original. (4) On the License "Agree" pages, I've signed "Peter M. Armstrong" -- i.e., not with full middle name. Is the result valid?

Dear Peter,

1. They do, but you have to inform them in writing within six months of the expiration date of your agreement with them, which renews automatically every 3 or 5 years unless they get the termination notice.

2. You did indeed - thanks.

3. Yes, I noticed that which is why I left it. There are plenty of exceptions to the rules around here, and the one you cite is a classic example.

4. Still a valid signture - no problem.

P.S. Among the files uploaded so far, there is *one* -- the Partita Traverse score -- whose license
might need vetting with BMI. This 2011 version has its own copyright and is not BMI-registered.
However, the 1993 original from which it's derived *is* BMI-registered. Whether on that basis BMI
has a legitimate say re the new version's licensing, I don't yet know. If it turns out that they do
(even if I terminate my affiliation with them), have I now by agreeing to CC BY-NC-ND forfeited the
Performance Restricted license option?

BMI might accept it anyway. I have been attempting to talk to the folks there for about six months now about the whole issue of cc licenses and about our own performance restricted license - to no avail so far (it's even worse than trying to call Amazon). As I understand it, you can actually change the license to the performance restricted after upload as long as you can say that you didn't fully understand the provisions of the cc license. If you actually place the cc license notice on your file, it's more-or-less permanent.

P.P.S. BMI's FAQ says: "BMI may license songs for songwriters who are not currently affiliated"; and "BMI's agreement with its songwriters provides that unless specified otherwise, BMI licenses their copyrighted works, even prior to registration." Does this imply that, even if I were to end my BMI affiliation, whatever I now -- or may yet -- write is trapped in BMI's licensing terms?

Ugh! The nasty scenario you describe is not impossible. Without getting into the specific language of their license, I cannot say for sure. Your initial upload was most successful. Congratulations and Best Wishes, Carolus 06:07, 25 January 2012 (UTC)

Ralph Jackson of BMI just emailed! They're "investigating these issues" and want a copy of "the license you signed". I've sent a link to IMSLP's BY-NC-ND description page ("the horse's mouth") and invited him to look at my own page. Peter M. Armstrong 02:04, 29 February 2012 (UTC)

Additudes!

The only scoring for this work consists in 21 Csound .sco files, which of course no self-respecting mammal wants to read. I intend to upload -- not those, but -- one PDF sheet of explanation (the content of my CD-jacket blurb), and then separately all 21 MP3 files. Altogether as a package, is such an entry OK? Thanks loads (if not lodes) for your feedback so far!

Ok, the PDF is there. I'll hold off on the MP3s pending BMI's response to my inquiry -- and may forward the conversation as an FYI to you.

That should be interesting. Hope they respond to you faster than they have to me!

Under "Number of Movements/Sections" I'd like to make, not 1 column of 21 items (as is), but rather 3 columns of 7 items each. Can do? Peter M. Armstrong 01:10, 27 January 2012 (UTC)

Not yet, unfortunately. When the big upgrade to the media-wiki software is installed this spring or summer, you should be able to do a wiki-table or something similar within the confines of the 'General Information' section. Carolus 02:55, 27 January 2012 (UTC)

I managed those columns. You'll see how. But if users are not permitted such shenanigans, just tell me and I'll restore the original.Peter M. Armstrong 16:10, 31 January 2012 (UTC)

Copyright issue (re MP3s of my works)

I have a couple dozen MP3s to upload. But it just hit me that their copyright status is not consistent. Some -- Additudes! -- were on CD as part of the copyright registration package; but some -- the other synthesized items -- were not included in the package (since I viewed them simply as demos). So: must I, before uploading those latter to IMSLP, first copyright-register them explicitly? Sorry for the fuss.Peter M. Armstrong 16:51, 2 February 2012 (UTC)

To be a little clearer: Each composition is separately copyright-registered. Every registration package contains a score (in either traditional-musical or Csound-.sco format). Some packages contain also an audio file (WAV or MIDI). However, some don't, their audio version having been created only later as an afterthought, for demonstration purposes. It's the status of these afterthought audios that I wonder about.Peter M. Armstrong 21:04, 2 February 2012 (UTC)

This is a little confusing. The copyright office accepts sound files or "phonorecords" as an item you can register a musical work with (form PA). This is different and separate from the registration of sound recordings (for SR). Copyright in a sound recording can be held by a different person than the copyright in a musical work, though in your case it would appear you are the copyright owner of both classes of works. BTW, you do not have to actually register works for them to be under copyright. They are legally under copyright the minute they are "fixed in a tangible medium of expression" (written down, printed out, etc.). It is not entirely clear if generating a PDF file from a notation program qualifies as being "fixed in a tangible medium of expression", though it could be viewed as that way since PDFs are pretty much not modifiable (unless you happen to own some fairly pricey software). At any rate, if you print out a copy or burn a CD with your sound files, the works an sound recordings are certainly under copyright the minute the paper is out of the printer or the CD comes out of the machine because it's now "fixed in a tangible medium of expression". At that point, you are the copyright owner and are free to upload works to IMSLP. Carolus 00:11, 11 February 2012 (UTC)

Thanks for this clarity! Putting my copyright situation in a nutshell: (1) all the scores were copyright-registered in PDF-only (no LilyPond code, just its output); (2) I've received the "PAu..." certificates for all of them; (3) four of those registration packages did not include also an audio file; (4) I have now synthesized audio for each of those, and requested Copyright Office procedure for registering it; (5) in any case, I'll soon begin uploading 27 other (already registered) MP3's.Peter M. Armstrong 21:10, 12 February 2012 (UTC)

"External Links: Recordings..."

I would like to link this Recordings subheading to a list of selected-performances (mine of other people's music). Only _some_ of the list's entries would in turn link to audio (mp3) of the performances per se. Is this acceptable -- or must such a list contain only those items _with_ audio files?Peter M. Armstrong 16:22, 7 February 2012 (UTC)

Oh, I've just spied this treated instead as a separate _main_ heading (Performances by: Somebody) after the "Compositions by:" listing, with its own Add Files for individual works. Is that the preferred strategy? (If so, is there a sensible way to mention a few performances for which no audio file is available?)Peter M. Armstrong 21:39, 7 February 2012 (UTC)

I assume you're referring to your composer catgeory-page here. This is really intended to have links to recordings of works composed by you (whether performed yourself or by others). There's certainly no prohibition to including links to recordings you've made as a performer, however. Sorry it has taken so very long to respond. We had some downtime a day or so ago and the copyright tagging and attendant clean-up has been very heavy lately. Carolus 00:16, 11 February 2012 (UTC)

Oh dear, I must back up. (1) With each Add Work page including its _own_ Performances section (to list my/anybody's recordings of that work), why does the Composer page have a Recordings section at all? Is it meant to highlight the _commercial_recordings_ subset? (2) In any case to avoid confusion, I may well opt for a separate boldface "Performances by:..." header below the Compositions listing. (3) Don't worry re "long to respond". Though now retired as a Unix Sys-Admin, I recall that "stuff happens". Peter M. Armstrong 21:40, 12 February 2012 (UTC)

The "Recordings" section is for links to recordings at other sites, whether Amazon (commercial recordings) or sites like Piano Society which host free recordings. "Peformances" is for audio and MIDI files uploaded here by performers or sound-recording copyright owners. Carolus 00:21, 18 February 2012 (UTC)

OK, #2 above must be controlled from a file hierarchically above my Composer page. (Ferruccio Busoni's "External links", "See also", "Miscellaneous Information", and several
headings beginning with "Arranged by:" are not even mentioned on his Composer page.) So, if I want to add my "Performances by:" section, where can I do this? Peter M. Armstrong 22:53, 12 February 2012 (UTC)

To be listed as a performer, all you have to do is enter the following in the "Performer Categories" (as opposed to the plain "Performer") field when uploading an audio file: |Performer Categories=Armstrong, Peter McKenzie=piano . Take a look at Fredick Rzewski's page to see how it works. Carolus 00:21, 18 February 2012 (UTC)

Wrong audio-file type?

I see that the Dapper '1' and Dreadful '0' audio files have been flagged, "...cannot be streamed." I thought I uploaded MP3s (that I'd converted from the original MIDs). Isn't MP3 streamable? If not, nevermind; if so, I'll revise my probably-confusing references to "MIDI"; if I uploaded MID files by mistake, I'll submit MP3s to replace them. Peter M. Armstrong 18:45, 19 February 2012 (UTC)

The MP3's should be streamable. Not sure what the issue is here, but all of the MP3s you uploaded have the same issue - even the ones that appear to be OK. Next time you have multiple files, use the "Add Multiple Files" button under the "Performances" section of the work-page. BTW, the system automatically labels things as to file type (on the right side of the file entry). Therefore, it's best to not label things as "MP3" since it's already covered. MIDI is a little more complicated as it is both a file format and a generically used descriptor for an electronically realized virtual performance, so It's OK to use "MIDI Performance" for files in any format which have been created on a computer. I prefer "Virtual Performance" for such items myself, "MIDI Performance" and "Computer Realization" are both OK too. Carolus 05:21, 20 February 2012 (UTC)

For my "Mini-Studies" and "Variations", may I replace "Virtual Performance" with "MIDI-Sequenced Performance"? I want it clear that keyboard playing was not involved.

That's fine. The one we object to is "MP3 perfromance".

I forgot to update my audio-file descriptions for 'Dapper 1 and Dreadful 0' AND 'Katikaze'. Have done so now per your specs. But the system is still calling them "unstreamable...MID". I'd swear I installed MP3s. (There's a new item too, the "S-Mode" variations.) Peter M. Armstrong 18:12, 22 February 2012 (UTC)

About my MP3 files -- If the problem is technical (i.e., if they don't stream), then it could be that I distractedly changed their filename extensions (from ".mid" to ".mp3") instead of actually converting their types. FYI, the conversion process (for all OK results) has been a two-step: .mid-to-.wav via timidity, then .wav-to-.mp3 via pacpl. Peter M. Armstrong 15:08, 23 February 2012 (UTC)

MIDI files will not stream (yet), so there's no file issue as far as they are concerned (since none of the MIDIs on the site stream). I'll pass your info about MP3 conversion procedure along to Feldmahler, but it seems a fairly routine method to me. Carolus 01:21, 25 February 2012 (UTC)

Performances: "General" vs "Synthesized"

Is it possible to make "Synthesized" the default (highlighted) in my case? I'll be uploading very few "General" items. Peter M. Armstrong 19:49, 19 February 2012 (UTC)

No, sorry. That's a system-wide issue. The first (or left-most) tab-division is for sound recordings of real performances (as the ones you uploaded of Schoenberg and Busoni). I'm hoping we'll change this to "Recordings" - or perhaps designate it as "Performances" and the higher-level division (presently "Performances") as "Recordings" Carolus 05:14, 20 February 2012 (UTC)

I'd go for that -- swapping the "Recordings" and "Performances" headings, especially since all my piano audio uploads (except Busoni's Sonatina cycle) will be from taped live performances. Peter M. Armstrong 01:01, 21 February 2012 (UTC)

Contractual Issue (with Lincoln Center re 1979 recital tape)

Among the piano audio I want to upload are Busoni's Elegien, from my 1979 Tully Hall recital. However, I dimly recall being under Lincoln Center legal constraints not to publish these (or sell or play them maybe or god-knows-what). So I'd better hold off, at least, til I know just what I mustn't. Do you happen to know whether CC's Performance Restricted license would accommodate their demands? Peter M. Armstrong 17:35, 20 February 2012 (UTC)

In 1979, a fair number of Busoni titles were still under copyright. Anything first published before 1923 is fair game now. No permission needed as the work is public domain in the USA (also Canada and EU). Carolus 22:42, 21 February 2012 (UTC)

Sorry, I wasn't clear. As I understand (misunderstand?), the issue here wasn't the repertoire, but the fact that my performance was taped at Lincoln Center. I was given the tape, or a copy of it, on condition that I not sell it (or publish it or whatever). Just what their control consists of, I'd better find out. Peter M. Armstrong 03:39, 22 February 2012 (UTC)

OK - That's a contractual issue with Lincoln Center then. Crazy how they act as if they're missing out on their cut of the lottery proceeds about this kind of thing. Hopefully they'll say OK. Carolus 05:16, 23 February 2012 (UTC)

Ernst Levy (1895-1981) ?

He (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Levy) has no IMSLP Composer page. So, to upload my performance of his "Five Pieces (1945)", I'm about to create one. Or was, til I saw: "Do not create composer pages for composers who are not in the public domain (died less than 50 years ago), unless you have a work that the composer him/herself allowed the distribution of under a permissible license...." Oh dear. My performance had EL's Novello agent's blessing and positive feedback from EL himself -- but I reckon that's all "neither here nor there". Any hope for this (say, again, via CC's Performance Restricted license)? Peter M. Armstrong 19:47, 20 February 2012 (UTC)

P.S. Of course -- it just hit me -- I'd be uploading only the performance (not also the score), if you guys allow. Peter M. Armstrong 19:47, 20 February 2012 (UTC)

As the quoted passage mentioned, the problem has to do with Levy being under copyright in Canada (dead less than 50 years), and most likely the USA. All most likely protected in EU as well. Permission from the composer's estate would be required, possibly from a publisher (if items were published). The fact that you had permission to make a recording doesn't necessarily extend to your publication of the recording here. There's also the potentially knotty issue of ASCAP or BMI attempting to collect for "broadcasts" of the work anytime someone plays the recording or downloads it. Carolus 22:39, 21 February 2012 (UTC)

As I understand from reading his page over at LoadCD (or whatever they're calling themselves these days), his son Ezra is in charge of everything. He's the one you would need to contact first, I expect. Carolus 01:23, 25 February 2012 (UTC)

Have heard some of his music from LP (and looking forward to hearing the new Naxos re-releases of his symphonies and concertos). Thanks! (And having the estate's blessing is fine legally, far as I know. The recordings and typesets @ Category:Ostijn, Willy are (sometimes made by, etc.) and posted by a member of the family of the composer, who also died too recently for PD-CA status; which would seem to be a somewhat similar example... Eric 10:35, 25 March 2012 (EDT)

Hi Eric. Thanks for your remarks. EL's son Frank has blessed the upload. See my exchanges with Carolus on his page. Peter M. Armstrong 11:08, 25 March 2012 (EDT)

Program Notes and Thumbnails

I'm tempted to use the work-page bottom section to duplicate each score's Program Notes. Feasible? Peter M. Armstrong 21:13, 20 February 2012 (UTC)

Absolutely. Take a look at Vivian Fine's pages to see how her daughter has been adding program notes and reviews. Carolus 22:40, 21 February 2012 (UTC)

I just perpetrated "COMPOSITION NOTES" -- a ton for each of my compositions (except for two that only point to a separate file). These are "just in case" the score Viewer fails to displaty them readably. Where it succeeds instead. I'll probably erase these entries. Meanwhile, you get to peek. Peter M. Armstrong 21:01, 25 February 2012 (UTC)

Docs point to the Beethoven Op. 11 page to show Previews and Thumbnails. I see the former but not the latter. Where's a Thumbnail box? Peter M. Armstrong 01:04, 23 February 2012 (UTC)

You have to upload the thumbnail file using the little link in the "toolbox" in the navigation bar (left side of page) before you upload the score. Then you include the file name in the field provided. You can do it 'after the fact' also, by inserting the field in the file template ( |Thumb Filename= ). We're still trying to figure out what the issue is with your MP3 files. Carolus 05:09, 23 February 2012 (UTC)

OK, I see TNs & PVs now, have opted to use the former, and have converted some original .ps files to .jpg via ImageMagick. The results are sorta-ok if a little fuzzy around the edges. I just tried to upload one to see how it will fare stuffed into a Thumbnail. But the system yells that .jpg. (as required) "is not an acceptable file type". I don't get this, as my .jpg portrait had been accepted. How should I proceed here? Peter M. Armstrong 22:56, 24 February 2012 (UTC)

Note that the added field is ( |Thumb Filename= ) not the ( |Thumb= ) I listed previously. You have to use the link on the left sidebar "Upload file" to upload non-pdfs. (Please avoid using this link to upload PDFs). Sorry for my hasty typing! Carolus 01:40, 2 March 2012 (UTC)

I just successfully installed a Thumb for each of my compositions, and a new Pic. In the process I saw that I had uploaded all my MP3 files via the form for PDFs, not via "Upload file"! Again -- if you want new (correct) uploadings of those two troublesome items (Dapper; Katikaze) after our BMI dust settles, just yell. Peter M. Armstrong 18:55, 2 March 2012 (UTC)

Viewer(!)

I see on Beethoven's Op.22 page these see-whole-score links. Can I put such on my pages? Peter M. Armstrong 17:48, 24 February 2012 (UTC)

They are actually being added automatically to all pages. It will take some time for the bot to work its way through the collection here though. Carolus 01:17, 25 February 2012 (UTC)

File Replacements

I've found a few mistakes -- one particularly embarrassing -- in files already uploaded, and make a couple of other improvements anyway. On what conditions does IMSLP tolerate replacement uploads? (Before I haul off and list the items I have in mind.) Peter M. Armstrong 21:08, 25 February 2012 (UTC)

Replacing files is very easy once you know the trick. Click on the file number (all will be six digits in your case), then follow the link to "Upload a new version of this file". When you see the copyright tags (N!/N!/N! in green) go to U/U/U in black, you will know the file has been replaced. Note - this new file will not show up in your web browser for a couple of days. However, the file you download (once it is tagged again) will be the latest version. Carolus 01:44, 2 March 2012 (UTC)

Talk page Maintenance

1) Do you want old discussions preserved here forever, or may I delete those whose issues are well settled?

2) Do you prefer simultaneous updates to be inserted within their respective topical sections, or bunched into an itemized list like this at the end?

It's really best not to delete things. If your page gets too big, just archive sections (see my talk page for how it is done, as I have an extensive archive). Your talk page is getting to the point where it might be a good idea to archive the first month or so. We can insert updates into their respective threads. Once you pick up the routine here, your page will be seeing more things like questions from people wanting to perform you pieces, etc. Editing and shifting things around is fine. It's your talk page, after all! Cheers, Carolus 01:49, 2 March 2012 (UTC)